JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – In 1984, President Ronald Reagan announced the first week in May as National Correctional Officer Appreciation Week. The duties of a correctional officer entail overseeing inmates to ensure they are safe, secure and supervised. This week, AFSFC is commemorating the event by recognizing several of the men and women across the enterprise who support the Air Force corrections and confinement mission.
Meet Staff Sgt. Wesley Brownyard, NCOIC of Command Investigations at AFSFC’s Det. 2, Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina. The eight-year veteran is one of three command investigators who serve as principal advisors to the Command Triad for prisoner and staff violations.
How do you contribute to the lethality and readiness of the Air Force?
I manage the collection, preservation and disposition of evidence. My team is charged with the protection of prisoners under their care, and I investigate all Prisoner Rape Elimination Act cases within the facility and formulates prevention plans and training. I ensure all military personnel – Air Force or other service branch, staff or confined – continue to adhere to all military core values.
What do you enjoy most about your mission?
I enjoy my role as command investigator the most. I have an understanding that my role is not to further punish prisoners, but to ensure they understand that all actions – big or small, criminal or administrative – have consequences. With an understanding of their actions and consequences, we can further build on the rehabilitation process, and the betterment of each individual prisoner before they are released.
What motivates and inspires you the most?
Without a doubt, my family inspires me the most.